The McLaren 720S is the second-generation Super Series supercar introduced by British marque McLaren Automotive in 2017 as the successor to the 650S. Serving as the core performance benchmark within McLaren's series production lineup, the 720S was not conceived as a limited-run collector's special, but rather as a thoroughbred supercar engineered to deliver both blistering track capability and everyday drivability. Production of the model officially concluded in 2024, making way for its successor, the 750S.
Positioned within the brand's Super Series stable, the 720S represents the pinnacle of McLaren’s ground-breaking technical innovation. The '720' moniker directly denotes its metric horsepower output. At launch, recommended retail pricing started from RM4,054,000, and was subsequently revised to a range between RM3,398,000 and RM4,054,000. The open-top 720S Spider incorporates a retractable hardtop mechanism while retaining the signature dihedral doors, tipping the scales at a dry weight as low as 1,332 kg. In addition, McLaren introduced the 720S Le Mans special edition, strictly limited to 50 units worldwide, featuring a bespoke carbon fibre aero pack, a two-tone Sarthe Grey and McLaren Orange livery, and a dedicated VIN sequence starting with '298' to commemorate the 298 laps completed during the marque's historic 24 Hours of Le Mans victory.
The exterior styling of the 720S is fundamentally driven by aerodynamics, where every sculpted contour serves airflow management and downforce generation. The front fascia adopts a wide-set horizontal profile that gives the supercar an exceptionally low-slung, planted stance; the iconic 'eye-socket' headlamp enclosures serve dual roles—functioning as a distinctive visual identity while channelling cooling air directly to the radiators and underbody. McLaren's trademark dihedral doors are carried over, opening with dramatic flair. At the rear, the multi-tiered profile features an expansive active rear wing that works in harmony with the aggressive rear bumper diffuser, doubling aerodynamic efficiency and generating 50% more downforce over the outgoing 650S. In terms of rolling stock, the supercar is shod with staggered Pirelli P Zero tyres, measuring 245/35 R19 at the front and 305/30 R20 at the rear.
Inside, the cabin adopts a driver-focused, asymmetrical cockpit layout, trimmed generously in premium soft-touch materials to elevate cabin ambience. The standout highlight is the signature Folding Driver Display—in Slim Display Mode, it retracts to display only vital driving data such as gear position, revs, and road speed to minimise distractions; in Full Display Mode, the binnacle rotates upright to reveal a comprehensive 8-inch digital instrument screen. The centre stack is anchored by an 8-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, delivering a minimalist yet purposeful, race-inspired atmosphere.
The 720S is powered by McLaren's purpose-built M840T 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with a displacement of 3,994 cc. Featuring 40% brand-new components, the engine delivers a potent 720 PS (527 kW) at 7,250 rpm and peak torque of 770 Nm at 5,500 rpm. The V8 revs freely to an 8,500 rpm redline. Power is channelled through a 7-speed Seamless Shift Gearbox (SSG) dual-clutch transmission.
Performance-wise, the official century sprint from 0-100 km/h is dispatched in a blistering 2.9 seconds, 0-200 km/h takes just 7.8 seconds, and the quarter-mile (0-400 m) is cleared in 10.5 seconds. Top speed is rated at 341 km/h. With a kerb weight of around 1,419 kg, the 720S boasts an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. Its mid-range punch is particularly ferocious, backed by lightning-fast turbo response and unrelenting power delivery across the rev range. EU combined fuel consumption is rated at 10.7 L/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 249 g/km.
The 720S employs a classic mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive (MR) configuration, underpinned by McLaren's proprietary Monocage II carbon fibre monocoque chassis. This structure delivers incredible torsional rigidity while keeping vehicle mass down to an absolute minimum.
The suspension setup features independent double wishbones front and rear, paired with the state-of-the-art Proactive Chassis Control II (PCC II) system. Utilising an advanced hydraulically cross-linked suspension system, it continuously monitors and adapts damping rates in real time, seamlessly bridging the gap between plush ride comfort and razor-sharp track dynamics. The steering rack delivers exceptionally lucid, communicative feedback. For stopping power, the 100-0 km/h braking distance is achieved in a scant 30 metres, while 200-0 km/h takes 122 metres. Driver aids also include Variable Drift Control (VDC) and Launch Control.
The cockpit of the 720S is tailored entirely around the driver, with all primary controls angled towards the pilot. The 8-inch portrait touchscreen and its dedicated physical shortcut buttons handle the majority of day-to-day functions. Audiophiles can specify an optional Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound system. On the customisation front, McLaren offers an extensive catalogue of upholstery materials and colourways, allowing owners to tailor the cabin to their bespoke tastes. For practicality, the front luggage compartment (frunk) can swallow a full golf bag set, catering comfortably to weekend driving getaways.
In terms of safety, the 720S is comprehensively equipped with a full suite of electronic driver aids. Active safety features come standard with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist, and more. On the passive safety front, the ultra-rigid carbon fibre Monocage II tub provides top-tier crash protection for occupants. The supercar is also fitted with front and rear parking sensors alongside a reverse camera to ease tight parking manoeuvres.
Since its debut in 2017, the 720S redefined benchmark standards in the modern supercar arena, courtesy of its holistic leap in chassis engineering, powertrain capability, and aerodynamic mastery. In the European market, brand-new units commanded prices ranging between €280,000 and €320,000. The 720S officially ceased production in 2024. Its successor, the 750S, is currently in development, while the McLaren Artura serves as the brand's plug-in hybrid supercar offering, pairing a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for a combined system output of 671 PS.
As the defining pillar of McLaren’s Super Series lineage, the 720S successfully struck the elusive sweet spot between extreme track performance and everyday usability, earning its reputation as one of the most frequently driven supercars in real-world ownership.
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